Following three successive home games at Salford Sports Village Beechfield United’s 1st team find themselves occupying fourth place in Manchester Football League’s Division 1.
United kicked off the new season with a 1-1 draw against Pennington FC who went ahead after only seven minutes but United found an equalising goal just three minutes later when Danny Rowcroft set up David Walker who sidefooted the ball into the net from the edge of the area.
Pennington threatened to regain the lead courtesy of some fine attacking football but United’s defence that included the impressive Tim Taylor and Man of the Match Neil Lancaster were superbly organised.
As the second half developed United began to dominate the match and had a clear cut appeal for a penalty turned down plus they were denied further goals by a series of fine saves from the overworked Pennington keeper.
Seven days later United had to settle for a second successive 1-1 draw when they met Chapel Town. Both teams struggled to overcome the blustery conditions but Beechy worked hard and took a deserved lead on 14 minutes when a brilliant move involving Steve Erskine, Jamie Sinnott and David Walker was finished off by David Leach who beat the keeper from eight yards.
Far too many stoppages threatened to ruin what was becoming an absorbing contest and Chapel Town had a few chances to draw level but United had the better opportunities and should have been at least 3-0 up at the break. The visitors started to dominate possession in the second period and United keeper Paul Bentley kept his team ahead via a series of superb saves.
But in the 62nd minute Chapel Town were awarded a dubious penalty and their No 9 converted the spot kick with minimum fuss and suddenly United looked ragged and began to lack basic ideas but somehow they survived a mini onslaught and were happy to hear the final whistle.
At the third attempt United gained their first official victory of the season when they enjoyed a narrow 1-0 win over near neighbours Fives Athletic. Making his Beechy debut was former Manchester United and Oldham Athletic player Jack Fitzgerald who was handed a defensive role.
In a rather scrappy affair the match was never a classic and Fives Athletic rarely allowed United the luxury of playing their quick and accurate short passing game. United had the better of the chances on offer in the first half and shots by Tom Gibson, Mike Leach and M-O-M Steve Erskine flashed inches wide of the target.
There was lack of quality football throughout the second half and a few off the ball incidents didn’t help matters. United finally made the vital breakthrough in the 61st minute following a piece of magical skill by Jamie Sinnott who neatly sent the ball onto David Leach and he produced an easy close range finish.
United dominated the last twenty minutes and created more worthwhile chances but they were continually frustrated as Fives Athletic operated with a nine man defence.
Beechfield United Football Club is a Comunity Charter Standard football club in Swinton, Manchester - providing coaching, playing and development for all players from under 7s through to open age.